1973 OPEL GT-R wheel bolts

3E- 361973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
and ignition switch in RUN position, the fog lights
are automatically switched off. Direction signals
work in the normal manner; pushing the lever up for
right turn signal and pulling the lever down for left
turn signal.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF HORN
The horn button is located in the center part of the
steering wheel. The horn is actuated by pushing on
the ends of the spokes for the Opel 1900 - Manta and
by pushing on the center horn button on 57R, 57L,
and GT. The button is provided with a plug connec-
tion for each springloaded plunger. See Figure
3E-3.Figure
3E-3 Horn Button Connections (Opel 1900Manta)DESCRIPTION OF STEERING COLUMN
ASSEMBLYThe steering column mast jacket is provided with a
tube-frame section
.(See B of Figure 3E-4) with
bulges which compresses or folds itself, if a suffi-
ciently large energy is exerted to one or other end of
the steering mast jacket assembly. This tube-frame
section absorbs most of the energy. The steering col-
umn consists of two parts, the upper and lower mast
jacket assembly and’the steering shaft. The
upp,ersteering mast is firmly connected to the tube while
the lower steering mast is clearance-free attached to
the tube by means of injected plastic (See Figure
3E-4). Consequently, the steering mast withstands
all torsional stresses.
As soon as the primary energy becomes effective, the
plastic pins (c) shear off and the steering shaft com-
presses. Thereafter the steering mast jacket is partly
compressed.
A slide-off base is welded to the steering mast jacket.
It is provided with two (2) slots for the respective
attaching bolts. A metal piece (See Figure 3E-4) is
located in each slot which is attached to the slide-off
base with injected plastic. The open sides of the slots
face the driver so that the primary energy cannotpush the steering mast jacket assembly into the pas-
senger compartment. The secondary energy caused
by the driver can on the other hand effect a shearing
of the plastic pins and loosening of the slide-off base
so that it moves downwards. Thereby the steering
mast jacket assembly is compressed further and ab-
sorbs the impact energy to a large extent.
The energy absorbing steering is not more suscepti-
ble to damage than a standard steering. However, the
steering mast jacket assembly, especially if removed,
has in contrast with the standard steering to be given
a difierent treatment.
Figure
3E-4 Energy Absorbing Steering Column
The energy absorbing steering column must by no
means be subject to impacts or blows. A sharp blow
onto the exposed steering shaft ends, leaning onto
steering column or dropping may loosen or even
shear off the plastic attachments which bring about
rigidity of assembly. In spite of a steering column
damaged in this way the operating function of the
steering is retained due to the lateral flattenings on
steering shaft tube and lower steering shaft. How-
ever, after a short period of operation rattling noises
will be noticeable so that the steering column has to
be replaced. For pulling steering wheel off steering
column use appropriate special tool. Therefore, it is
of importance that the instructions for removal and
installation as well as disassembly and assembly are
Strictly adhered to.
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
The removal of this assembly is only necessary for

OPEL 1900 AND MANTA STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY3E- 41
SPECIFICATIONS
Steering Column Tightening Specifications
PartLocationToraue
1b.k.Nut
Steering Wheel Retaining (1900
- Manta) .._......._...,,....BoltSteering Column Flexible Coupling (1900 - Manta) ._.,
NutSlide Off Base Attaching (1 900 - Manta) ._..,,,,,,...._,,,,,..
NutMass Jacket (1 900
- Manta) .,............,,,............,,,,,.......,,,,,
screw
Steering Mast Clamp (1900
- Manta) .,.........,.._...............1122
10::

3E- 421973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
GT STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
DescriptionofSteeringColumn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable)
MAJOR REPAIR:
RemovalandInstallationofSteeringWheel. . . . . . . . . . . .Removal and Installation of Ignition Lock
Cylinder
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Removal and Installation of Steering Column
Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Removal and Installation of Center Steering Shaft
Removal and Installation of Ignition Switch
and/or Steering Lock
.,~ ,........ ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Removal and Installation of Upper Steering
Bearing and/or Directional Signal Switch
. . . . . . . . . . . .Removal and Installation of Steering Column
Lower Bearing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Steering Column Torques
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No.
3E-42
3E-44
3E-45
3E-45
3E-46
3E-46
3E-48
3E-49
3E-50
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DESCRIPTION OF STEERING COLUMNThe Energy Abosrbing, Locking Steering .Column
assembly is used on the GT. This cohnnn is designed
to compress under impact. When an automobile is
being driven, the forward movement of the automo-
bile and the forward movement of the driver both
constitute a form of energy or force. When an au-
tomobile is involved in a frontal collision, the pri-
mary force (forward movement of the car) is
suddenly halted, while the secondary force (the
driver) continues its forward direction. A severe col-
lision generally involves these two forces
- the pri-
mary and the secondary forces. The secondaryjmpact occurs when the driver is thrust forward onto
the steering wheel and column.
The Energy Absorbing Column is designed to absorb
these primary and secondary forces to the extent thatthe severity of the secondary impact is reduced. Dur-
ing a collision, the steering column compresses and
thereby reduces its tendency to move rearward into
the driver’s compartment. A split second later when
the driver is thrown forward (the secondary impact)
his energy is also partially abosrbed by the compres-
sion characteristics of the column.
The Energy Absorbing, Locking Column assembly
may be easily disassembled and reassembled. The
serviceman should be aware that it is important that
only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used as
designated during reassembly, and that they are
tightened to their specified torque. This precaution
will insure the energy absorbing action of the assem-
bly. Particular care should be exercised to avoid us-
ing overlength bolts as they may prevent a portion of
the assembly from compressing under impact.
Equally as important is correct torquing of all bolts
and nuts.
When the Energy Absorbing, Locking Column is

3E. 441973 OPEL SERVICE’MANUAL
Figure 3E-17 Steering Column Bracket
installed in a car it is no more susceptible to damage
through usage than an ordinary column; however,
when the column is removed, special care must be
taken in handling this assembly.Only the speufied
wheel puller should be used.When the column is removed from the car, such
actions as a sharp blow on the end of the steering
shaft laying things across or on top of the column
assembly, leaning on the column assembly, or drop-
ping of the assembly could shear or loosen the plastic
fasteners that maintain column rigidity or possibly
bend the assembly causing a binding condition.
It is
therefore important that the removal and installation
and the disassembly and reassembly procedures be
strictly followed when servicing this assembly.The steering column assembly is attached with a
bracket (A) at four points to the connecting brace
below the instrument panel. See Figure
3E-17. The
two upper bolts are designed as tear-lock-bolts. A
bolt (B) is welded to the bracket which engages in an
narrowing elongated hole. The same applies to the
upper bolt (C) of the steering column lower bearing
attachment which engages in a hole of the connect-
ing brace.
As soon as a sufficiently large secondary energy
becomes effective, the steering mast jacket slides to-
wards the front whereby the bolt (B) as well as the
bolt head (C) is additionally pushed into the respec-
tive narrowing elongated holes. Both elongated holes
are arranged so that the primary energy cannot push
the steering mast assembly into the passenger com-
partment.
The GT steering column incorporates two universaljoints to allow
~for the offset between the steering
column and the gear assembly.
The upper steering column assembly is connected to
the center steering shaft with one universal joint,
while the lower universal joint connects the center
steering shaft to the steering gear pinion shaft.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF STEERING
WHEELThis procedure may be performed with the steering
column assembly either removed or installed in the
car.Removal
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove horn cap.
3. Bend lockplate tabs down and remove steering
wheel nut, lockplate and washer.
4. Mark shaft and wheel hub for reassembly align-
ment.
5. Remove steering wheel using steering wheel puller
J-21686. Do not rap on end of puller in order to free
wheel from shaft as this would very likely loosen
plastic injections that maintain steering shaft rigid-
ity. Striking of underside of steering wheel to jar it

GT STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY3E- 45
loose must never be done. The only recommendation
for freeing frozen steering wheels is to use a penetrat-
ing lubricant.Installation1. Before installing steering wheel, lubricate return
pin and slide area on direction signal switch return
cams and horn ring contact.
2. With steering wheel properly aligned to shaft, in-
stall lockplate and nut. Torque nut to 15
Ib.ft.
CAUTION:
This steering wheel to steering shafi fas-
tener is an important attac&ng part in that it could
affect the performance of vital components and sys-
tems, and/or could result in major repair expense. It
must be
rep/aced with one of the same part number
or with an equivalent part, if replacement becomes
necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser
quality or substitute design. Torque values must be
used as specified during reassembly to assure proper
retention of this part.3. Bend up lockplate tab and install horn cap.
4. Reconnect battery.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF IGNITION
LOCK CYLINDER
RemovalThis procedure may be performed with the steering
column assembly either removed or installed in the
car.1. Remove steering wheel, as outlined previously in
this Group.
2. Position lock cylinder to run position.
3. Using suitable piece of wire, push in lock cylinder
retaining pin and remove lock cylinder. See Figure3E- 18.
Installation1. Insert lock cylinder into lock cylinder housing.
2. Install steering wheel, as outlined previously in
this section.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF STEERING
COLUMN ASSEMBLY
Removal1. Position steering so that front wheels are straight
ahead.Figure
3E-18 Removing Lock Cylinder
2. Loosen steering shaft upper universal joint lower
clamp bolt. See Figure
3E-19.3. Drill off heads of both tear bolts by first drilling
an 3/16 inch pilot hole and then inserting a
l/4 inch
bolt extractor to remove lockbolt.
4. Disconnect ignition (white) and direction signal
(black) wire set plugs.
5. Support steering column assembly and remove
both hex. head bolts.
6. Pull steering column assembly off center steering
shaft. Do not apply any force as plastic injections in
center steering shaft may be loosened and shaft
would then require replacement.
Installation
CAUTION:
Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they
cooId affect the performance of vital com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a re-
placement part of lesser quality or
substitute design.
Torque values must be used as specified during
reas-
sembIy to assure proper retention of these parts.1. Install steering column assembly onto steering
shaft and torque steering shaft upper universal joint
lower clamp bolt to 14
lb.ft.2. Install hex head bolts and torque to 14
lb.ft.
NOTE:
Be sure to install ground wire.

I3E. 461973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 3E-19 Steering Column Attachments
3. Install new tear bolts and tighten until hex
head of bolt is tom off.
4. Reconnect ignition and direction signal wire sets.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF CENTER
STEERING SHAFT
RemovalSteering shaft must be handled carefully so as not to
loosen plastic injections as shaft would then require
replacement.
CAUTION:Fasteners are important attaching parts
in that they could affect the performance of vital
components and systems, and/or could result in
major repair expense. They must be replaced with
one of the same part number or with an
equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary.
Do not use a replacement part or lesser quality or
substitute design. Torque values must be used as
specitied during reassembIy to assure proper
retention of these parts.1. Install steering shaft through bottom and position
into upper universal joint.
1. Position steering so that front wheels are straight
ahead.2. Insert shaft into lower universal joint and torque
bolt to 22 lb.ft.
2. Loosen steering shaft upper universal joint lower
clamp bolt.3. Torque upper universal joint bolt to 14
lb.ft.3. Remove steering shaft lower universal joint upper
clamp screw.
4. Carefully push center steering shaft up into steel
washer joint until lower end is free.REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF IGNITION
SWITCH AND/OR STEERING LOCK
Removal5. Remove steering shaft through bottom.
1, Remove ignition lock cylinder, see previous para-
graph in this section.

3F. 521973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
3. Install rubber grommet, retainer and self-locking
nut at top of shock absorber. Torque to 10 lb. ft.
Always use new self-locking nuts.
REAR SPRING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Rear Spring Removal1. Raise rear of car with floor jack under differential
carrier and support with jack stands positioned un-
der side jack brackets. See Figure
3F-2.Figure 3F-3 Removing Coil
SpringFigure 3F-2 Raising Rear of Car
2. Remove rear wheels.3. Disconnect shock absorbers from rear axle.
4. Disconnect stabilizer and shackles, if equipped,
from frame.
5. Lower rear axle assembly as far as possible withoutputting the brake hose under stress.
6. If necessary, tilt the rear axle assembly to remove
springs. See Figure
3F-3. Note the upper and lower
rubber damper rings.
Rear Spring Installation
1. Make certain the lower damper rings are properly
positioned in the spring seats and position the springsin their respective position in the damper rings. See
Figure
3F-4.2. Properly install upper damper rings on springs.
CAUTION: Fasteners are important attaching parts in
that they could affect the performance of vital corn-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a
re-
placement part of lesser
qua/ity or substitute designFigure 3F-4 Installing Coil Spring
Torque values must be used as specitied during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.3. Raise rear axle assembly to compress springs in
their seats.
4. Attach shock absorbers and tighten retaining nuts
to 15 Ib.ft. For the GT and 47 lb.ft. for the Opel 1900
- Manta.
5. Attach stabilizer shackles, if equipped, to axle
brackets and tighten bolts to 25 lb. ft. with vehicle at
curb weight.
6. Install rear wheels torquing lug nuts to 65 lb.ft.

REAR SUSPENSION3F- 53
7. Remove jack stands.
LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENTRemovalThis operation can be performed with the vehicle
standing at curb height or elevated.
1. Disconnect parking brake cable from support
bracket on control arm.
2. Loosen and remove front and rear control arm
attaching bolts and remove control arm.
installation1. On
1900’s and Manta’s place a load of approxi-
mately 350 lbs. in luggage compartment or on the
GT, place a load of approximately 150
Ibs. on dri-
ver’s seat. Torque control arm attaching nut and
bolts to 18 lb.ft on
GT’s and 23 Ib.ft. on the 1900 -Manta.
2. Connect parking brake cable to support bracket on
control
ranI.
STABILIZER ROD REPLACEMENT
Removal1. Raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Disconnect stabilizer rod to shackle bolts.
3. Disconnect stabilizer rod to underbody retainers
and work stabilizer rod out from under vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION SPECIFICATIONS
Tightening SpecificationsInstallation1. Work stabilizer rod into position and loosely at-
tach stabilizer to underbody retainers.
2. Connect stabilizer rod to shackles.
3. With the vehicle standing on its wheels or the rear
axle assembly lifted, tighten stabilizer rod to under-
body bracket bolts to 15 lb. ft.
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle.
TRACK ROD REPLACEMENT
Removal1. Lift rear of car and suitably support.
2. Disconnect track rod from rear axle and frame
side member.
Installation
1. Loosely connect track rod first to side member and
then to the rear axle.
2. On the
1900 - Manta, load luggage compartment
of vehicle with approximately 350 lbs. or on the GT,
place a load of approximately 150 lbs. on driver’s
seat and tighten track rod attaching bolts to specified
torque.
3. Remove supports (jack stands) and lower vehicle.
Use a reliable torque wrench. Specifications are for clean and lightly-oiled
threads.
Part
Nut
Nut
Nut
Bolt
Nut
Nut
Nut
BoltName
WheelNuts.
.._.._......._........................................................
Control Arm Attaching (GT) .._.._.,,,........,,.,,.......,,......,,,,......
Control Arm Attaching (1 900 - Manta) .,,...._...,,,,_.....,,.,...
Stabilizer Rod to Underbody Retainers ,....._.,.,,.,.....,,,....
Shock Absorber Lower Attachment (GT) . .._.....,._.._.,,,...
Shock Absorber Lower Attachment (1900 Manta) ,,.,
Shock Absorber Upper Attachment. .._.....................
Stabilizer Shackle to Axle Bracket .._._.._,...._..,,.,,.......,,,...
Torque
Lb.Ft.
65
16
23
15
1,5
47
1025